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Bayfield
Things to Do in Bayfield
Brownstone Trail
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Brownstone Trail

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Brownstone Trail
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#10 of 23 things to do in Bayfield
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1-2 hours
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The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
22 within 3 miles
The Copper Trout
564
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • American • Vegetarian Friendly
Landmark Restaurant at Old Rittenhouse Inn
255
0.2 mi$$$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Manypenny Bistro
325
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Pizza • Vegetarian Friendly
The Bayfield Inn Restaurant
380
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Vegetarian Friendly
Pier Plaza Restaurant & Pickled Herring Lounge
628
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Seafood
Greunke's First Street Inn & Dining
553
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Gluten Free Options
Wonderstate Coffee - Bayfield
53
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • American • Cafe
Morty's Pub
125
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Pub
Wild by Nature Deli
68
0.4 mi$ • American • Deli • Vegetarian Friendly
Gourmet Garage
69
0.5 mi$ • Bakeries • European • Scandinavian
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Attractions
26 within 6 miles
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
162
0.2 miNational Parks • Islands
Bayfield Maritime Museum
132
0.4 miHistory Museums
Stone's Throw Art Gallery
44
0.3 miArt Galleries
Eckels Pottery & Fine Craft Gallery
33
0.3 miArt Galleries
Bayfield Public Library
7
0.3 miLibraries
Christ Episcopal Church
7
0.3 miCivic Centres
Bayfield Heritage Association
4
0.3 miHistory Museums
Big Ravine Trail
18
0.4 miNature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails
Bayfield Civic League Memorial Park
1
0.4 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Walking Areas
Hauser's Superior View Orchard
153
1.4 miWineries & Vineyards • Farms
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See what other travelers are saying
  • Madge H
    10 contributions
    Wait until Brownstone Trail is fully reopened/restored.
    The Brownstone Trail part that was open near Bayfield wasn’t worth the time and not especially picturesque. Big disappointment. Detour wasn’t clearly marked so wandered a bit. Eventually bailed and headed over to the Gil Larsen Nature/Iron Bridge/Big Ravine trails on other end of town and they were wonderful! Highly recommend. I went meandering in a forested area alongside a brook which I crossed many times. Lovely. No bugs either.
    Traveled solo
    Written August 28, 2022
  • MadisonGrog
    Madison, Wisconsin350 contributions
    Partially closed. From downtown only goes to Seagull motel.
    Not sure what the fuss is about this. From downtown it only goes to Seagull Bay motel and then is blocked. The lake views are nothing special. For a lovely walk, go down to Washburn and take the lake trail there. MUCH better!
    Written August 7, 2022
  • M-F_Trackers
    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania449 contributions
    Nice quiet walk
    This is a well maintained trail except for 0.5 mile section closed by a landslide. You need to walk out on Rt. 23. Wild flowers just starting to bloom. Peak through the trees and view at lake and boats. We walked at 6PM and saw no one.
    Written June 12, 2021
These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
52 reviews
Excellent
25
Very good
16
Average
8
Poor
2
Terrible
1
flippy
1 contribution
Brownstone washed out
Jul 2021 • Family
Used to be a very nice trail but closed because they won’t fix the wash out from a storm years ago. I think property owners don’t want it fixed. They have detours going on the Highway. Don’t waste your time on this trail lots more that are better!
Written October 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
zombienic
Minnesota1,255 contributions
Better way to walk into town
Jun 2022 • Couples
We stayed at Seagull Bay so we used this Trail to go into town every day. It was much nicer than taking the streets which we did one time. No hills on The Brownstone Trail haha! It is still closed right when you get below the motel. So we didn't go the opposite direction. But it was convenient (and shaded!) for what we needed it for. No pretty views, just an easier no traffic way to the shops and restaurants.
Written June 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
volkswagendriver
Oshkosh, WI220 contributions
Beautiful, easy trail along the lake
Jun 2018 • Family
Anyone can hike this trail, it's an old railroad line so the grade is very flat and you get peek a boo views of the lake thru the trees. We stay at the Seagull Bay Motel so this is an easy way for us to walk to and from town.
Written June 24, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Lynn8894
Charlotte, NC108 contributions
Mostly Flat Woodsy Trail for Hikers and Bikers
Oct 2018 • Couples
You have to love a community that has the drive and foresight to create public access to a magnificent lakefront trail. This trail wends along the shore, and then into the woods where generous homeowners have given permission for the trail to run through their neighborhoods. It begins in downtown Bayfield, a gem of a little town.
Written October 10, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Anita W
Tulsa, OK195 contributions
Delightful walk—once you find the trailhead
Sep 2018 • Couples
We thoroughly enjoyed our walk down the well-maintained trail, looking at wildflowers and peeking through the trees to see Lake Superior. Public directions to the trail led us to driveways and docks, howeverer. Here’s the deal, in town, the trail begins on the southwest corner of South Third Street and Wilson Ave. There’s a government office just east on Wilson. There’s a gazebo marking the entrance to the trail. Before or after your walk, go across Wilson to a lovely garden planted around ships and canoes—charming.
Written September 14, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Andy M
53 contributions
Easy and interesting trail
Aug 2018 • Couples
It is very cool that some private owners allow this trail to pass along their properties, because it would be a shame to not have it available. The walk overlooks the Bay at many points, but one of the most interesting things is to see the amazing homes and cottages along the way. Much of the walk is shaded by fairly dense trees, and it is mostly hard surface and gravel. We had some difficultly locating the southern end of the trail, butte northern end was easy to find. There is some signage where the trail makes transitions that really helps you know where to go. Very clean - we did not see any litter at all!
Written August 27, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BearManNorth
Ely, MN66 contributions
Easy pleasent walk.
Jul 2018
My Gal and I stayed at the Seagull Bay Motel, and walked this easy trail into downtown Bayfield and back twice. There is a path leading to it directly from the motel. It was a pleasant 10-15 minute walk, eliminating the need to drive the car to town. It is light gravel, but smooth.
Written August 6, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ILNan
Hampshire, IL32 contributions
Easy and beautiful walking.
Jul 2017 • Family
I enjoyed the trail, but had no idea where I was until I arrived at an area I could see the lake from. I would have enjoyed it more if there were signs posted showing where the trail was headed (to Bayfield, or a beach, or the gorge) and how far (2 miles to bayfield, .5 miles to Bayfield, etc.). I wanted to walk to Bayfield, but we didn't have much time, and I was unable to tell how far we were so we went back to our cabin.
Written July 31, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
charleshaycock
Bayfield, WI130 contributions
They have upgraded the trail!
Aug 2015 • Couples
We love walking the trail all times of the year, even winter time. It is easy, and accessible to wheelchair people.
Written March 15, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Beth P
Iron River, WI112 contributions
Great Family Friendly Trail
Nov 2015 • Friends
This trail runs along Lake Superior. The plus side is it is definitely stroller friendly. It is well maintained and provides you some great views of Lake Superior. But, it runs between homes and the lake so in terms of scenery, it isn't spectacular. In some cases you feel you are walking through folks' backyards... in part because you are. The bridge on the trail is amazing... sits next to one of the most gorgeous homes I've ever seen. But again, you feel you are almost invading someone's privacy on this trail/it runs right through their backyard. That said, great trail for you and your fam to stretch legs, take in a few views and be on your way. Not strenuous... just a nice walk along the lake.
Written December 31, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Brownstone Trail (Bayfield) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Brownstone Trail